Dog Bite Statistics – Children Are Most Likely Victims to Be Bitten by a German Shepherd

There are approximately 4.7 million dog bites every year according to the Center for Disease Study. Approximately 1 out of every 5 dog bite victims require emergency medical treatment. Children ages 5 to 9 years old sustain more dog bites than any other age.

Dog bites disproportionately affect children. Young children are full of wonder and curiosity and are often prone to exploration and experimentation. Most do not understand there should be physical boundaries between humans and animals especially between dogs and children who are often naturally drawn to animals. A child's innocence and naiveté coupled with an over protective dog can lead to problems. Children will almost instinctively kiss or hug a dog around its neck . A dog exhibiting any forms of the aggression listed below will likely snap if confront with an innocent embrace.

Child dog bite attack injuries are usually more serious then those suffered by adult victims. Children are smaller and weaker and thereby less capable of fending off dog attacks. Children are also shorter and their head, neck and face are in closer proximity to a dog's mouth.

About German Shepherd Dog Attacks

German Shepherds are large dogs. They were originally bred to be sheep herding dogs and quickly became a favorite for families due to their protective instinct. German Shepherds engage in two forms of biting that usually involve children. The first is the guiding nip and the second is the grab-and-drag. These dogs will bite children using the grab-and-drag bite in order to pull a child out of harms way. Children will sometimes misread this protective instinct and will panic and pull away which can increase injury. If these dogs bite  to defend territory or the home or yard they usually will first bark and or growl in order to get the perceived threat to retreat.

If you or your child has been bitten in a German Shepard Dog (GSD) attack in Connecticut, call us for a free consultations to discuss your remedies.  We are available 24/7/365 at 860-523-8783